The Political Socialization of Adolescents: A Study of Students in a Midwestern High School.

Struve, Patrick William; Snider, Bill

An attempt is made in this investigation to determine if a civic education program as found in this school in the midwest can develop attitudes conducive to active participation in political and public affairs. Students were asked to fill out a questionnaire based on scales developed to measure attitudes and opinions on politics, citizenship, and knowledge of political news media. Parents were asked their party affiliation and political activities. Results indicate that the intensity and variety of political experiences the young have in their home determine their ability to perceive and internalize the various messages and stimuli received from the school, community, peers, teachers, mass media, political events, and public personalities. Therefore, the political socialization process is a conserving system which does not drastically alter political behavior, beliefs, or attitudes of the adolescent. When change or cynicism does occur, it is probably the result of direct, purposeful experience. (KJ)